Hey there, folks! So, my wife and I just got back from a mega 4-week trip across London, Scotland, and Ireland. We did a ton of prep and testing to nail down the perfect packing strategy, and man, do I have some insights to share with you all. Disclaimer: We didn’t go full one-bag mode, as we checked in a bag between countries for souvenirs and to navigate those pesky budget airline size limits. But hey, the goal was still to travel light and stick to carry-on only (except for the souvenirs, of course).

Let’s break down my gear: I rolled with the Aer Travel Pack 3 for my carry-on, clocking in at 20.6lb. A tad over some size limits, but it never caused any issues. My personal item was the Aer Day Sling 3 Max, weighing 3.3lb. I could’ve squeezed in more stuff, but it wasn’t necessary for what I had planned.

In my main pack, I packed clothes like shirts, tees, a button-down, jackets, underwear, pants, shorts, and socks. Plus, I brought along some cool extras like a selfie stick, a packable blanket, a GoPro, a toothbrush, deodorant, and grooming essentials. For tech, I had a camera cube, a drone, batteries, chargers, and cables – all neatly packed into my sling when needed.

And let’s not forget about the shoes! My trusty black Saucony Peregrine 15’s were my go-to for all terrains, while the wife rocked cream Peregrine 15’s and Birkenstock slides for that London vibe.

Now, my wife’s setup was a bit different – she had a Travel Pro Compact Elite Hard Shell as her carry-on and an Osprey Daylite as her personal item. She also had a couple of extra bags like the Aer Go Pack 2 and the Aer City Sling 2, which came in handy for different situations.

Phew, that was a lot to cover! But I gotta say, streamlining our packing process really helped us focus on the essentials and enjoy our trip to the max. If you’ve got any questions, hit me up – I’m here to help!

Hey there, pals! So, I wanted to share my experiences testing out four backpacks that I recently used as carry-on personal items for flying. These packs are also awesome for everyday use. I spent a lot of time scouring Reddit for advice when deciding which backpacks to try, so I thought I’d pay it forward by sharing my own reviews. I’m a petite gal, standing at 5’4″ and weighing 120 pounds. My main concerns were comfort, organization, and making sure the backpack fit snugly under an airplane seat. Here’s the lowdown on each pack:

1. **Patagonia Black Hole 25L ($149)**: This pack was top-notch in terms of comfort. The shoulder straps were soft yet supportive, and the back panel molded perfectly to my back without any bouncing or digging in, even when fully loaded. The organization was minimal but effective, with quick-access and front zip pockets. It sits high and close to my back, compresses well, and fits like a dream under a plane seat. I went for the Seabird Grey color, which is stunning. Verdict: This is my go-to pack for future trips.

2. **Osprey Proxima 30L ($100)**: Almost as comfy as the Black Hole, the Proxima excelled in organization with dedicated compartments for tech gear and mesh pockets. It sagged a bit on my petite frame when fully loaded, but still managed to fit under most seats. The Nightshift Blue color was a winner for me. Verdict: Keeping it as a backup due to its comfort and stellar organization.

3. **Osprey Daylite 26+6 Expandable ($100)**: This pack didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The straps started to dig in after a short while, and the organization wasn’t as great as the Proxima. It was compressible and airplane-friendly but ultimately lacked the comfort I was looking for. The mustard color scheme wasn’t my jam either. Verdict: Sending it back.

4. **North Face Borealis Women’s 27L ($105)**: Unfortunately, this pack was a miss in terms of comfort. The shoulder straps were stiff and uncomfortable, outweighing its excellent organization features. It fit under the seat but the shoulder discomfort was a deal-breaker for me. The Luxe version in black with copper accents was gorgeous, but I had to return it. Verdict: Not wearable

Hey there, I’m diving into the world of One Bagging as I gear up for a 2-month adventure across South East Asia from September to November. My main goals? To stay cute, avoid sunburns, and steer clear of that sticky, sweaty discomfort that comes with hot climates. I’m all about finding clothes that let me skip the sunscreen sometimes but still keep things light and stylish. I’ve been scouring the forums, but any ladies out there with recommendations for the items below, please hit me up with those links!

First up, I need to snag a wide-brim hat to shield me from the sun. Plus, I’m on the hunt for some sunglasses that won’t break the bank but will still protect my peepers. Thinking of getting a bolero for sun protection – digging the snug look, but might opt for a looser fit for comfort. Also, looking for a bandana to shield my neck from those harsh rays.

For water activities, a rash guard is a must for sun protection while swimming or surfing. And for everyday strolls, loose-fitting shorts are a must to avoid any pesky chafing issues. Oh, and I need some swim shorts or full-coverage bottoms for those surfing sessions.

When it comes to tops, I’m all about breathable tank tops that hang loose for maximum airflow. And for footwear, closed-toe shoes are my jam, but I’ll need some sandals for those scorching days or beach outings. And last but not least, a flowy dress for those easy-breezy days.

So, if you’ve got any go-to products or brands that fit the bill, please drop those links my way! I’m all ears and ready to pack smart for this epic journey through South East Asia. Let’s do this!

Hey, so I’ve been seeing a lot of posts lately about folks dealing with anxiety and struggling with long solo trips. I totally get where they’re coming from because I’ve been battling anxiety my whole life. But here’s the thing – I’ve been super into travel since I was a kid, even before I left my own country.

I just wanted to start this chat to say that solo trips don’t have to be these epic months-long adventures, especially if you’re new to it. Personally, I’ve been to 31 countries in the last 30 years, mostly solo, but I’ve never been away for more than two weeks at a time. It’s not just because I like my comfort and stick to a budget, but also because I know my limits.

Sure, I’ve had my moments of feeling alone and anxious, but knowing that I’ll be back home in a couple of weeks or less really helps calm those nerves. I’m curious, how many of you solo travelers out there also like to keep your trips short and sweet, just a few weeks or less? Let’s hear your thoughts!

Hey everyone, I’m in a bit of a pickle and could really use some help navigating the refund process with Turkish Airlines. So, here’s the deal: I had to scrap my international trip because of a legit medical emergency. I did all the right things by sending over all the required docs to Turkish Airlines. They even shot me an email confirming a full refund to my TK Wallet, sweet right? But then things took a turn. They hit me up asking for more paperwork, like proof of payment, which I promptly sent over. And then… nothing. No word for days, even after I hounded them with follow-ups. Talk about a major bummer.

I finally caved and called their customer service hotline. The rep on the other end dropped the bomb that I should cancel the tickets to avoid being labeled a “no show.” So, I went ahead and did just that, following their advice to the letter. Fast forward to now, Turkish Airlines is singing a different tune. They’re saying no refund for me because I canceled the flights – despite the fact that I only did it because they told me to. Seriously, the whole situation is one big mess and I don’t know which way is up.

I’ve got all the emails and screenshots to back up my story, but I’m at a loss on what to do next. Has anyone been through this wringer before and come out on top? Should I be reaching out to a bigwig at Turkish Airlines, hitting up a consumer protection agency, or maybe even taking my case public on social media? I’m open to any and all advice right now. Thanks a bunch in advance for any help you can offer.

So, I spent a month in Buenos Aires, from mid-May to mid-June. As a 40-year-old digital nomad, I was keen to both work from my AirBnb and explore the city. Here’s my take on the experience, though everyone’s perspective may vary. Overall, I found the cons slightly outweighed the pros, but Buenos Aires is still a pretty cool place to chill, even for someone like me who leans towards introversion.

Let’s chat about productivity first. I had assumed May would be a decent time to visit, given the fall weather. However, it was dark until 8 am each morning, and then stayed overcast for a while, only giving me about 4 hours of good sunlight daily. This messed with my usual morning productivity vibe (my bad for not researching better). So, depending on your own rhythm, you might want to consider a different month.

On the social front, the digital nomad scene in Buenos Aires is alright. I hit up some meetups and went on a few dates. I’m not really a night owl, so the 11 pm dinner scene wasn’t my jam most nights. Also, I felt ghosting and tardiness were more common here than in other Latin American countries I’ve visited. Just my two cents.

Now, let’s talk about the city itself. Buenos Aires is super walkable. I was clocking around 20,000 steps daily. The architecture is fantastic, and I always felt safe, no matter the time of day. During my month-long stay, I appreciated the clear street signs, lovely parks, and the efficient garbage collection system. The city has a very European vibe, complete with window shades and bidets. The subway is a great way to get around, costing just a buck per ride, and it’s easy to navigate. They’ve even started accepting credit card taps for entry.

In terms of costs, my AirBnb was reasonably priced at around $950 CAD for a month, giving me a spacious 1-bedroom spot with fast internet. Ubers were also pocket-friendly. However, eating out or grabbing a drink could dent your wallet. Even a basic takeaway meal like shawarma set me back $12-15. And a single shot of liquor cost a whopping $15. Surprisingly, a bottle of Smirnoff vodka at a common convenience store was less than $10. Imported goods were pricier than local products, and beef

Hey, so I’m in my late twenties and I’ve been all over Europe, but haven’t quite found my place to settle down yet. My salary is around 7k€ a month, and honestly, I’m not really looking to make more money. I just want to find a place to call home, but at the same time, the idea of settling down scares me a bit.

I love sunny locations with a peaceful vibe, where there’s a strong focus on sports and a lot of green spaces. Food and socializing are super important to me, so I’m on the lookout for a place that ticks all these boxes. Anybody else out there in a similar situation and found their spot?

One thing that’s holding me back from moving away from Europe is being close to my family. I used to be a more adventurous person, but too much freedom has kind of paralyzed me, stopping me from making any moves or even just trying new things. Maybe it’s this darn comfort zone that’s got me stuck.

If you’ve been through something similar and have any advice or recommendations, please share! I might delete this later, so sorry for the rant.

So, let’s talk about SafetyWing health insurance. We’re not talking about the travel insurance that costs around $250 a month, but the health insurance that’s a sweet deal at $90 a month. Pretty big price difference, right? But here’s the kicker: they’ve got some strict rules when it comes to pre-existing conditions.

So, what’s a pre-existing condition, you ask? Well, it’s any illness or injury that falls under one of these three categories: 1. You’ve been diagnosed or treated for it within 2 years before your policy starts. 2. You’ve experienced symptoms related to it within 2 years before your policy starts. 3. There’s a good chance, according to medical experts, that you had the illness or injury within 2 years before your policy starts.

Now, let’s break this down. Say you’ve been diagnosed with cancer while you’re out exploring the world. You didn’t even know you had it before. But, sorry to say, according to SafetyWing’s rules, you might not be covered for treatment. Why? Because, based on their criteria, the cancer could be considered a pre-existing condition.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, I know. You’re thinking, “But I had no idea I had this condition! How is that fair?” Well, that’s the thing with insurance companies these days. They’ve got these strict definitions and guidelines that can make things pretty tricky for us regular folks.

So, is this normal practice in the insurance world? Unfortunately, it is. Many insurance providers have similar rules when it comes to pre-existing conditions. They want to protect themselves from covering high-cost treatments for conditions that were already present before you signed up for their policy. It’s all about managing risks and keeping their costs in check.

But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. If you’re generally healthy and don’t have any pre-existing conditions, SafetyWing’s health insurance could still be a good option for you. At $90 a month, it’s pretty affordable compared to other options out there. Just make sure you read the fine print and understand what you’re getting into.

In the end, it’s all about weighing the pros and cons. Is the low monthly premium worth the risk of not being covered for certain conditions? That’s something only you can decide. Just remember to do your research, ask questions, and

Hey there, fellow solo travelers! So, I’m currently on my first solo adventure in Germany, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride. I’ve encountered a couple of situations that left me feeling a bit uneasy, and now I’m reaching out to all of you for some guidance and reassurance.

Picture this: I’m chilling in a park near a train station when this middle-aged guy sneaks up behind me and asks for directions to the station, which was literally a stone’s throw away. Weird, right? I point him in the right direction, but he just stands there grinning at me like a Cheshire cat. Cue the alarm bells and a swift relocation to another bench. Crisis averted, but it definitely got my heart racing.

Fast forward to today, I’m in my hostel’s living room chatting with my dad on the phone because I didn’t want to disturb my roommates. Suddenly, this guy in his thirties pops in, asking to borrow my phone charger. My gut reaction was to decline, but he hits me with the puppy eyes and a plea about his dead phone. Cue the internal struggle as I debate whether to hand over my charger. I eventually make an excuse and retreat to my room, visibly shaken, only to have my dad reinforce my cautious instincts. I muster up the courage to politely decline and wish him luck in his charger quest before making a swift exit to my room.

Now, the big question: how do I differentiate between genuine friendly interactions and potentially risky situations? When do I drop the politeness and prioritize my safety? I want to be kind and open to fellow travelers, but not at the expense of my own well-being. How do I navigate these scenarios without second-guessing myself or caving under pressure?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and tips on handling these moments better in the future. Hit me up with your wisdom, and let’s share our solo travel insights to make each other’s journeys a little smoother. Thanks a bunch in advance!

Hey guys, so I just made the big move to Spain on a digital nomad visa, and let me tell you, there are a couple of things I wish I had known beforehand. I initially chose Tarragona as my new home because it’s this gorgeous little city with stunning beaches, a charming old town, and vibrant Catalan traditions. I mean, what’s not to love, right? Plus, I was under the impression that it was just a quick hour away from Barcelona, which was a must for me since I needed easy access to a big city. Well, turns out, Google Maps totally let me down. The train system in Tarragona is far from reliable, with frequent delays that can turn a supposed one-hour trip to Barcelona into a two-hour (or more) journey. Not exactly ideal for a day trip, let alone a regular commute.

So, I decided to pack my bags again and head to Vilanova i la Geltrú, a coastal town much closer to Barcelona and a better fit for my needs. But breaking my lease early was no walk in the park. Thankfully, my landlord was understanding, but typically, breaking a lease can lead to hefty fees and losses. Lesson learned: don’t rush into a long-term lease when settling in a new place, especially if you work remotely like me. It’s worth saving up some cash beforehand and testing the waters with short-term rentals or Airbnb for a few months. Trust me, it can save you a ton of money and a boatload of stress.

So yeah, that’s my little blunder in the world of moving abroad on a digital nomad visa. If you want more details or have any questions, hit me up!